William Adelin

Timeline

1. 1103–1115Winchester · EnglandWilliam was born on 5 August 1103, the only surviving legitimate son of Henry I and Matilda of Scotland, raised from childhood as heir to England and Normandy, and called Ætheling by contemporaries.
2. 1115–1119Rouen · NormandyHenry I arranged and completed his betrothal and marriage to Matilda of Anjou to consolidate the alliance with Anjou; William also received oaths of homage from nobles as Duke of Normandy, appearing publicly as heir on both sides of the Channel.
3. 1120Barfleur · NormandyOn the night of 25 November 1120 William sailed from Barfleur back to England aboard the White Ship; the vessel struck rocks and sank, and he drowned while trying to rescue his father's illegitimate son. The legitimate male line was cut off, and Henry I eventually designated Matilda as heir, setting the stage for the civil war of the Anarchy.